It’s summertime, so let’s talk about sunscreen. You know you need to wear it every day, even when it’s not summer and also when it’s cloudy. So, wouldn’t it be great if your hybrid sunscreen did more than just protect you from the premature ageing associated with the sun’s rays? Imagine if it also specifically targeted your skin concerns and was smooth, easy-to-apply and all day comfortable? Happy to announce that we can make your dreams come true with ANY ONE of our sunscreens. Today, we’re taking a deep dive into the science that takes our hybrid SPF formulas to the next level, so white coats at the ready . . .
All of our sunscreens (6! count ‘em!) offer triple defence with superior shielding from mineral ingredients zinc and titanium dioxide, plus antioxidants which provide environmental AND daily hydration defence. But we’ve taken our formulas to the next level with impressive new ingredients that will protect your skin at a higher level because there’s more than just UVA and UVB rays attacking your skin . . .
PROBLEM: Infrared Radiation
No, this is not a sci-fi novel; infrared radiation is a form of electromagnetic energy (again, not sci-fi) and around half of the sun's total energy output is in the form of infrared radiation. While it falls under the invisible light spectrum, meaning you can’t see it with your eyes, it can be felt as heat. It has the ability to penetrate the skin, triggering structural damage, including photoageing. Exposure to infrared radiation, particularly from the sun, can contribute to skin ageing and potentially increase the risk of skin cancer over time.
OUR SOLUTION: Elix-IR
This rather incredible knotgrass extract is rich in flavonoids and helps to protect the skin against some of the damaging effects of infrared radiation. It’s proven to protect dermal fibres from global sun damage (both UV and infrared), while increasing firmness and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. You’ll find it across our sunscreens, so apply daily and you’ll be fighting a problem you didn’t even know you had.
PROBLEM: High Energy Visible Light (HEV)
AKA blue light (in the visible light spectrum), this is the one that’s emitted from screens, but it also comes from sunlight. It may well contribute to visible skin ageing, hyperpigmentation, and skin damage, though research on its specific effects is on-going. For now, protection through screen filters and skincare products can help mitigate potential harm.
OUR SOLUTION: PHYSAVIE
Another one of our hybrid sunscreen ingredients, this is a wow plant extract that’s clinically proven to biologically reduce damage from infrared radiation and visible light and also protect skin from the harmful effects of blue light. We use Physavie in all of our sunscreen formulations, so you don’t even have to consider separate protection.
PROBLEM: POLLUTION
A problem in so many ways, particulate matter from pollution can be undetectable to the human eye. Did you know some of the smallest particles are a fraction of the size of the circumference of a hair strand? Particulate matter is able to adhere to the skin like glue and can even penetrate the skin barrier, often triggering trans epidermal water loss and elevating sensitivities, not to mention triggering premature signs of ageing.
OUR SOLUTION: EXO-P
Our sophisticated solve is an exopolysaccharide that forms a breathable, biomimetic shield which works to trap particulate matter before it enters the skin. Apply one of our sunscreens each day and you’re protecting your skin against this harmful pollution, particularly useful if you live in a city or drive on busy roads.
Our hybrid daily sunscreens bring all this and our triple defence - mineral ingredients: zinc and titanium dioxide, antioxidants which provide environmental protection and daily hydration defence. And of course, SPF (read all about it in our Busting the Myths of SPF blog). We make the best hybrid sunscreen (if we do say so ourselves!) and remember you have 6 option: Clear Shield, Sheer Hydration in untinted or versatile tint and Moisture Matte in Ivory, Sand or Amber. You can even replace your daily moisturiser with our hydrating sunscreen formulas if that works better for your skin. For personalised skin advice, don’t forget our skin pros offer seasonal consultations and will tweak your daily skincare regime for the summer months (more on that here). Take your skin protection to the next level and future-proof your skin day in day out with a sophisticated AlumierMD formula, find yours here.